May Bank Holiday sees surge in advance bookings

With excitement building as the May Bank Holiday edges closer, Virgin Trains has revealed the most popular UK destinations so far this year. The long weekend will see travellers heading towards locations including Manchester, Glasgow and the ever popular Lake District for a weekend getaway. According to Virgin Trains overall advance bookings are up 166% on the same bank holiday last year.

Vibrant Manchester is proving the most popular destination choice for the great getaway, as this year’s advance reservations are already up nearly 150% on the amount sold this time last year. Glasgow, and routes to the Lake District will also be busy. Overall, this is considered to be the busiest May Day Holiday since Virgin Trains began running its West Coast service in 1997 even without the additional walk-up tickets expected to be sold throughout the weekend.

The busiest day of travel so far is Friday, 30th April with bookings up 80% on last year. Monday, 3rd May will also be very busy with bookings up 280%. Interestingly, Thursday, 29th April is also proving to be a very popular day of travel bookings up 50% – suggesting people are taking a four day weekend to hopefully take advantage of some sunshine. The cheapest advance fares are up 182% - indicating the large amount that Virgin Trains have made available for this weekend.

Says Jim Rowe, Communications Manager at Virgin Trains: “The May Bank Holiday is always a popular travel period, however this long weekend is certainly set to be most welcome with people trying to enjoy the beginning of the summer. With more frequent services and excellent on-board facilities we’re keen to encourage more people to stay within the UK and use the train wherever possible!”
For further information or to book Virgin Trains log on to www.virgintrains.co.uk or telephone 08457 222 333.
- Ends –
For further information please contact Amy Hanson or Sophie Lennon on 020 7403 6900 or email amy.hanson@thespaway.com